Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology

A small restored area is having a big impact on regional birds, fish and animals, according to a study published in the journal Ecological Restoration by the University of California, Davis.

Just 4 miles west of UC Davis’ main campus sits a sliver of wildness called Putah Creek Riparian Reserve. On a recent spring day, below a canopy of valley oaks and eucalyptus trees came a twittering of chirps, trills and quacks.

The Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology houses one of the most significant, modern collections of birds, mammals, and fish in California. With over 35,000 specimens the MWFB is among the top ten collections in California, and the third largest university-managed collection in the state. The specimens housed in the MWFB serve a unique role in California; in addition to traditional uses, they are used for graduate and undergraduate training, species identification workshops, and educational programs by federal, state, and local agency biologists.